Defenceman sitting out Oilers tilt, been healthy scratch nine of past 12 games

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Yes, Cory Sarich is frustrated with his irregular role with the Calgary Flames.

No, the veteran blueliner did not dress Saturday night against the Edmonton Oilers — replaced by rookie Joe Piskula.

Yes, it sounds as if Sarich would be open to the idea of moving on if it meant new life for his playing career.

But, no, he did not demand a trade during a meeting with GM Jay Feaster nearly two weeks ago.

While they “discussed a wide variety of things,” Sarich said he just wanted to plead his case for a regular role and see if that was even a possibility.

“I’ve voiced what I feel would be best for me to help the team out. Whether or not they agree with that — I know there’s a lot of young guys around here that are getting a chance — that is part of the hockey business,” said Sarich after Saturday’s morning skate at Rexall Place.

“It was initiated by me because I just wanted to be open and honest with him and I really wanted to express to him that I want to contribute to this team, I want to be part of this team. I feel like I could fill a role. In being able to do that, I feel I probably need to be in there on a nightly basis to be able to perform at a level I need to be at.

“I definitely did not demand to be traded.”

Judging from the fact Piskula, a call-up from the Abbotsford Heat this weekend, suited up in Sarich’s place Saturday, and that Sarich has played just three times in the Flames’ last 12 contests, a trade might be the only way the 33-year-old returns to a regular role.

If the team decides he doesn’t fit into their plans and they want to help him out in that regard, they’ll need his permission to make any moves.

Sarich has a full no-movement clause, which means he can’t be assigned to the minors or traded without him signing off on it.

His first choice, he says, is to play every game with the Flames.

But if that isn’t going to happen, he has to be prepared for what his future holds and perhaps focus on the ability he has to help shape it.

“I definitely wasn’t going in there throwing my weight around or saying that I’m completely pissed off to be here. That wasn’t it,” Sarich explained of his request to sit down with Feaster, adding he was shocked that his meeting with the GM became news Friday when former teammate Rhett Warrener reported on Sportsnet 960 Radio that Sarich asked for a trade.

“It is a little difficult, mentally, just staying in it day to day. I’m trying my best and I’m trying not to get too beaten down. I’m trying to be as positive as I can,” he said. “I really don’t know what the situation holds for me. I was just trying to get a grasp of what Jay and what Brent expect of me. That was my biggest intention, just to know where I fit in so I can deal with it mentally whatever their decision is, rather than just be in limbo and not knowing.”